Dr Gregg Dean, Department Head of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology at CSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine gave the first (flawless) RCFC presentation in the new “Zoom Era”. He was introduced by RCFC member and former Microbiology Chairman, Dr Ralph Smith. Dr. Dean gave us a look at the current focus and research (as well as future promise) CSU is providing in the war against COVID19.First, the institution’s philosophy- “One Health”. This recognizes that there are three areas of health on our planet that are intertwined - environmental, animal and human health. The novel corona virus bears witness to this and has disrupted the illusive harmony of these three.
Dr. Dean showed pictures of the physical resources at CSU- the “incubator”, the unique biopharmaceutical center and the regional biocontainment facility- all located on the west Foothills Campus.
Before this pandemic, CSU had created an Infectious Disease Research and Response Network across all colleges (with approximately 55 faculty) allowing for a quick response to an infectious disease crisis. Current examples of its value include - faculty with knowledge of animal models allowing for rapid investigation of possible animal origins of human infection and identification of animal reservoirs. A recent example was CSU’s ability to study the MERS virus in camels. Bats are also available at CSU for study. Bats may have been the original source of the novel corona virus, recognized for carrying pathogens that can jump to other species - including humans - without getting sick themselves. The cross contamination of various species (thought to be important in our current pandemic) was illustrated by a picture of a so-called “wet market”.
Wet markets are the common 'supermarkets' of East and South East Asia, so named because of their open, cement construction that is hosed down and scrubbed each afternoon after the market closes. Open only from dawn to early afternoon, most do not trade in exotic species, although the Wuhan market had a wild animal section where live and slaughtered species were for sale, including snakes, beavers, badgers, civet cats, foxes, peacocks and porcupines among other animals.
Diagnostics is an important area at CSU. A team is working on new Corona test developments. CSU has been involved with the clinical community in Larimer County through surveillance of local health care workers. The Veterinary Diagnostic Lab is getting involved in testing human samples.
Next, we got a look at what might be involved in antiviral drug testing. Identifying the viral genome, the structure of the virus, and natural history of the virus (and it’s interaction with the host – us) allows for targeted therapy. CSU labs have live virus and daily receive requests to try different drugs against the virus.
Finally, Dr Dean described how this information is used to develop a vaccine. For example, the external “spike proteins” of the virus allow for adherence to the host cell and are, therefore, a prime focus for targeted therapy. Successful vaccines can utilize inactivated virus, live attenuated virus, bacterial recombinant therapy as well as several other targets. One path being explored at CSU is led by Dr Ray Goodrich (grow the virus, inactivate the virus and inject it into subjects to produce a protective antibody response). Another area of CSU expertise is the use of probiotics (eg, Lactobacillus acidophilus) which has already been informed by experience with feline coronavirus and SARS.
So, we have this unique local talent and focus combining both animal and human medicine rich with promise in this (and future) epidemics/pandemics. Once again, it’s a privilege to live in Northern Colorado with our awesome neighbor, Colorado State University.